COVID-19 has been called the “patchwork pandemic” because of its uneven impact across regions and subpopulations. Emerging evidence indicates a similar pattern for the mental health effects of the pandemic. Dr. Benjamin Druss reviewed what is currently known about COVID-19 and mental health, with a focus on which populations are at elevated risk of developing behavioral health problems. He addressed the complementary roles that clinicians and public health practitioners can play in addressing the mental health consequences of the pandemic.
This webinar is co-sponsored by the Region IV Public Health Training Center.
1. Understand the rates of mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic;
2. Identify the subpopulations at highest risk for mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
3. Address roles for clinicians and public health practitioners in addressing the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benjamin Druss, MD, MPH
is Professor and Rosalynn Carter Chair in Mental Health in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University and Director of the Southeast Mental Health Technology Transfer Center. Dr. Druss is working to integrate mental health, physical health, and public health. His research has focused on understanding and improving access, quality, and outcomes of care for populations with serious mental illnesses and medical comorbidity. This work has included epidemiological studies, intervention trials, and health policy and public health research.
